To Do in D.C.: National Cherry Blossom Festival

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 25: As the Washington Mounment is seen in the background, cherry trees start to bloom by Tidal Basin March 25, 2011 in Washington, DC. The annual 16-day National Cherry Blossom Festival will start tomorrow and run thru April 10. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) (Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

LANHAM, Md. (CBSDC) — The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off March 20, which also happens to be the first day of spring.

The festival runs through April 14 with peak blooming taking place between April 3-6. The peak bloom time previously was predicted to be between March 26-30, but was pushed back due to recent cold weather.

To celebrate, D.C. is hosting numerous events throughout the city.

Here’s just a sampling of what’s going on:

Pink Tie Party — March 20
A fundraiser gala to support festival events and programs held at the Renaissance Washington DC Downtown Hotel. Guests will be treated to cherry and blossom inspired food and cocktails. The event has sold out in the past, so if you plan to attend, get your tickets now.

Family Days — March 23-24
A free, two-day festival at the National Building museum for kids of all ages. Families can enjoy hands-on activities, art demonstrations and performances. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Blossom Kite Festival — March 30
The third annual Blossom Kite Festival is open to anyone who can fly a kite. The event will have five different fields, including a competition and demonstration area where skilled kite flyers can show off their skills. Children also will be able to make kites at this event which starts at 10 a.m.

Cherry Blast: Art + Music Dance Party — April 5
An interactive, multisensory, multimedia event that is celebrating its fifth year. The dance party uses cutting-edge DJs and performance art to give attendees a unique experience. Tickets are on sale now, but going fast.

Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival — April 6
This free event takes place around different venues at the Southwest Waterfront. The show begins at 1 p.m. with musical performances and family fun activities. The fireworks start at sundown.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade — April 13
Perhaps one of the largest parades in D.C., the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade runs along Constitution Avenue NW from 7th to 17th streets. Tickets are on sale for those that want to sit in the grandstand, but for those gathering along the parade route, it is free. The parade will start at 10 a.m. rain or shine.

Sakura Matsuri — April 13
The Japanese street festival is the largest Japanese culture festival in the U.S. The event features food, art, martial art and performances. The festival stretches nearly one mile long and will begin at 10:30 a.m.

For more information on these events or to learn about more events including boat tours and photography classes, visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival website.